TEAM NEWS : AIRTON COZZOLINO SHINES AT PONTA PRETA WITH STANDOUT PERFO

The 2025 edition of the GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Cape Verde delivered another unforgettable showdown at the legendary Ponta Preta.

Known for its fast, powerful waves, this iconic location demanded peak performances from the world's best. Cape Verdean local Airton Cozzolino knew the challenge ahead. Perfectly dialed in with his equipment, the Elips kite and the super-fast, snappy Atomic EPS surfboard he opted for the typical down-the-line surfing on his home turf, he was ready to make his mark.

Kitesurfer : Airton, GONG team rider, with an Atomic EPS, Elips kite and FeelX bar. Photo : GKA.

Locked In From the Start

Airton didn’t need any warm-up waves in his first heat. Right from his opening ride, he sent a clear message to the competition, dropping straight into an 8-point ride, backed-by two 9-point rides in a row, setting the bar very high. His rhythm, speed, and connection to the board were seamless, evident in powerful turns, deep carves, and critical airs of a dimension no other rider attempted. The result was an incredible 9.63-point wave, the highest single-wave score of the entire event. With a heat total of 18.70, he didn’t just take the best score of the round—he set the benchmark for the competition.

Kitesurfer : Airton, GONG team rider, with an Atomic EPS, Elips kite and FeelX bar. Photo : GKA.

The Road to the Finals

As the event progressed, the battles intensified. In the semi-finals, Airton faced off against Sebastian Ribeiro, a fierce competitor who had been impressive throughout the event. Ribeiro scored an excellent 9.17, putting immense pressure on Airton. Rising to the occasion, Airton waited patiently, found his wave, and executed perfectly—scoring an 8.70 that secured his spot in the final. The roar of the Cape Verdean crowd underscored the intensity of his achievement.

The Final Showdown

The final was a battle of titans between Airton Cozzolino and Pedro Matos. Both riders went wave-for-wave, pushing each other to their absolute limits. Every maneuver counted. With strong local support, Airton held the lead through most of the heat. The atmosphere was electric. However, competition demands resilience until the very end. In the final two minutes, Matos found a perfect wave, riding it masterfully to earn a score of 9.0, enough to edge ahead narrowly. Airton threw everything into a last-ditch effort with a super stylish air 360, landing it perfectly, but the wave didn't provide him with the couple of extra sections he would have needed to secure the necessary score.

Kitesurfer : Airton, GONG team rider, with an Atomic EPS, Elips kite and FeelX bar. Photo : GKA.

A Performance to Remember

Airton Cozzolino entered this event determined to showcase his best riding, push his limits, and demonstrate his synergy with his gear and the ocean. While victory narrowly eluded him by just 0.04 points, this marked his strongest performance yet with GONG—and what a performance it was! Airton secured the highest heat totals in every round before narrowly finishing second in the final. Ponta Preta highlighted Airton’s passion for the sport, his ability to rise to challenges, and his extraordinary connection with the waves and wind. We're extremely proud to have him on the team and to provide him with gear that allows him to perform at his very best.

Congratulations to Pedro Matos for his victory and all the riders for an unforgettable event. With the season just beginning, anticipation is high for Airton's next appearance.

Men’s Results:

1st Pedro Matos (BRA)

2nd Airton Cozzolino (ITA)

3rd Gabriel Benetton (BRA)

4th Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA)

On to the next one!

Photo: GKA.